October is National Dental Hygiene Month.

Research suggests poor oral hygiene could lead to heart disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Flossing is one of the most effective ways to keep your mouth healthy, however, many people don't keep up with it. Dentists say if your gums are hurting you, or are inflamed, that means you have to floss more.

Don’t stop flossing if you start to have gum problems. Also, it is super important to head to the dentist every six months. This way they can catch any issues. If you let it get painful, then you could be in trouble.

Plus, regular visits will save you money.

“A lot of individuals who don't have dental insurance tend to wait to come in until they have dental pain or dental problems," said Ashley Krupski, a dental hygienist. "And that can end up costing more money in the long run. So coming in and spending a little bit of money on a cleaning, exam and x-rays can actually save money because those x-rays can find cavities when they're small, when they're just small fillings.”

Do you need an expensive battery-powered toothbrush to effectively clean your teeth? The answer is no. It’s all in the technique, according to dentists.

If you are an aggressive brusher, it’s recommended you stick with a soft toothbrush. The only downfall is that you must switch out that soft brush more often than with an electric one.

Going to the dentist can also create a lot of anxiety for some patients. Some people just don’t like the thought of hands in their mouths or all the weird sounds and the light shining down on them.

The biggest piece of advice is to ask for multiple appointments, so you get things done one at a time. You also can build a relationship with your hygienist doing this, which will hopefully make you, or even your kids feel more comfortable.